Team USA is trying to accomplish what the other two host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup failed to: advance to the quarterfinals. The United States hosts Belgium for its Round of 16 game at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, Monday for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re aware of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial decision to suspend American striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban after he was issued a bogus red card in the USA’s 2-0 victory vs. Bosnia in the Round of 32.

TRUMP ADDRESSES FIFA’S DECISION ON USA STAR FOLARIN BALOGUN’S WORLD CUP SUSPENSION

Obviously, the Belgians are heated, and honestly, I’d be too.

BELGIUM ‘CONSIDERING ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS’ AFTER FIFA CLEARS TEAM USA’S FOLARIN BALOGUN

However, we deserve it. Even though VAR somehow upheld it, any reasonable person would agree that Balogun shouldn’t have gotten a red card. Also, between our infrastructure, hospitality and Americana, we have done a phenomenal job hosting the 2026 World Cup.

Nonetheless, it’s all hands on deck for the United States for this game. Belgium is the ninth-ranked team in the world, and Team USA is 16th, according to FIFA. The Red Devils smoked the Stars and Stripes 5-2 in an international friendly back in March.

Besides home-field advantage, which is huge in soccer, we should have a fitness edge over Belgium Monday. The United States is younger and more athletic, and the Belgians beat Senegal 3-2 in a draining 133-minute Round of 32 game.

ESPN WRITER HATES TEAM USA GETTING FOLARIN BALOGUN BACK, SAYS ANY WORLD CUP SUCCESS IS NOW ‘TAINTED’

Furthermore, with Balogun miraculously reinstated alongside Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman, Team USA will look to use their athletic advantage to press Belgium’s older backline, who could be fatigued from that extra-time game vs. Senegal five days ago.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

As you can probably tell by my we’s and our’s, I’m not exactly an objective analyst here. So, take my pick for this game with a pinch of salt. But, based on the four American World Cup games I’ve watched, there is no way we get eliminated by Belgium Monday. GIMME TEAM USA TO ADVANCE (-130).

_____________________________

Follow me on X @Geoffery-Clark, and check out my “OutKick Bets Podcast” for more betting content and random rants.